CATHOLIC-ORTHODOX MARRIAGE
CONFERENCE TOPIC MARCH 14

            Pastoral sensitivity to the needs of couples who enter into a Roman Catholic-Orthodox marriage will be discussed at a conference to be held at the Immaculate Conception Center, 7200 Douglaston Pkwy., Douglaston, Tuesday, March 14, at 1 p.m.

            The conference will feature two speakers: Msgr. Michael G.  Thomas, Vicar General of the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn, and Rev. Alexander Rantel, assistant professor of canon law and Church history at St. Vladimir Seminary, Crestwood, N.Y.

            Msgr. Guy Massie, who heads the Ecumenical Commission of the Diocese of Brooklyn, said the discussions will probe such questions as, Are our respective theological and pastoral practices in competition or are they compatible? What happens on a practical level when a Catholic wishes to marry a member of the Orthodox Church?

What is the after-care of these marriages?

            The diocesan Ecumenical Commission maintains an ongoing dialogue with the Orthodox Church. Last year, the two groups discussed Islam and its impact on Christian churches.

            For further information, contact Msgr. Massie at (718) 680-1010.

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3/7/06